WALLASEY are limping their way over the Division One finishing line after Formby went a long way to securing their safety following a brilliant win at Cricket Path.

Batting first, Formby compiled a massive 301-3 declared off 55 overs with 122 from opener Mark Baker the highlight. Jay Lenton (85no) and Elliot Ketteringham (54no) also contributed. A half-century from opener Graham Reid (50) was as good as it got for the leaders who were undone by Mark O’Connor (4-59) and Jan Gadzina (3-27) as they were dismissed for 183.

Fleetwood Hesketh were left frustrated in second place and 36 points behind Wallasey after their match with Wigan had to be abandoned after a flash flood.

Orrell Red Triangle could still sneak into the top two after they thrashed fellow promotion rivals Newton le Willows, who drop to fifth. Siddiq Patel (5-25) and Christian Edwards (3-20) helped skittle Newton for just 71.

Ainsdale’s promotion push also faltered following a defeat to Liverpool. Iain Handley (7-58) restricted Ainsdale to 175 all out with Andrew Barlow (40) top scoring. Hamish Dunlop (48) led the way as Liverpool reached the total in the 52nd over.

Wins for Formby and Liverpool ensured it was a desperate day for Sefton Park who slipped back into the bottom two following their defeat to relegation rivals Rainhill. Things looked good early on as Peter Kelly (5-29) helped dismiss Rainhill for just 109. But Phil Calrow’s side ran into an irresistible spell from Mohammed Querishi, who took an incredible 8-23 off 19 overs to dismiss Sefton Park for 82.

Bottom club Alder’s fate has long been sealed but Northop Hall rubbed salt in the wound with a ten wicket home win.

Alder were dismissed for 134 and James Hurlin (76no) and Dave Kennedy (50no) made quick work of the target.